Kayaking Safety - The EssentialsWatch this short video to learn how youcan insure that your paddling experiencewill be relatively safe for all involved.Training Canoe Newbies Over the years, Cliff Jacobson has formed afew tests to get new canoeists ready to run whitewater rivers. Read all about them.

Purchased the Elite16 from a local dealer this summer (2006), new. I have been comparing a lot kevlar 16-18 canoes over the past couple of months and Elite ended up being the one I purchased simply because it made it to the top7 short-list and of local availability (wanted to see before buying). I believe the hull construction is designated as Expedition Kevlar or Ultralight Kevlar (I should check for sure). While the sales-assistant quoted it to be 48lbs, one of the very first things that struck me once we were out in the woods is that she is a dream to carry. Don't get me wrong, I detest portaging as much as the next guy, but having rented almost every kevlar model offered by the rental-places in the province, this one ALMOST makes it fun. (read: she may be 48lb but she feels more like 38lb). The hull has a shallow keel which might suggest better tracking characteristics, but that aspect I was a little disappointed with. Perhaps my expectations were a little high. The boat is symmetrical and for some reason I found that for stability on wind-waves I had to put more weight toward the bow then conventional wisdom might dictate. In the past I never gave my ratchet-action roof rack strap-ons a second thought, and tightened rental boats till the ratchets could not be clicked any more, but at the purchase I was warned to be careful how much pressure I apply on the Elite16. Apparently ratchet straps are known to have damaged such delicate boats in the past. Needless to say I am now using 4medium tension straps , rather then 4hight tension straps. I tend to baby the boat in general, seeing how it is still shiny and new. If you will go on white-water or don't want a delicate boat, this one is not for you. I have only done one 5day near-wilderness trip in her, so my rating may be quite subjective at this point still. But definitely a good first impression.

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